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An Impact Linebacker

Casey Matthews has transformed into one of the best to play the position at Oregon

By Adam Jude

The Register-Guard

Appeared in print: Friday, Dec. 3, 2010, page C1

He arrived at Oregon slightly under the radar, clean-shaven and full of hope. Casey Matthews will leave in a tuxedo, his flowing hair and disheveled beard on full display for a national television audience during a ceremony recognizing some of the best defensive players in college football.

As Matthews transformed from the kid USC — his dream school — didn’t want to the guy in the middle of everything on Oregon’s defense, so too have the Ducks grown.

And one of the greatest careers of any linebacker in UO history — as coach Chip Kelly called Matthews’ — could coincide with the greatest season in school history should the top-ranked Ducks defeat Oregon State on Saturday in the 114th Civil War in Corvallis.

That would give Oregon (11-0, 8-0 Pac-10) its first undefeated regular season and a spot in the BCS National Championship game for the first time.

“When I first signed (with the Ducks), they were 7-6 and coming off the Vegas bowl, a blowout,” Matthews said. “Coming in, you’d never think we would be in this position — where a BCS game is a minimum.”

Matthews played no small part in the transformation. And as much as he has been surprised by Oregon’s rise, he was shocked to learn last week that he was named one of four finalists for the Lott IMPACT Trophy, presented to the nation’s top defensive player who best symbolizes integrity, maturity, performance, academics, community and tenacity.

“I think he deserves it,” Kelly said.

Matthews was named a finalist last Friday, a few hours Oregon’s kickoff against Arizona. Kelly was the one to present the middle linebacker with the good news, and Matthews said the coach had a tear in his eye.

“It’s special,” said Matthews, a 6-foot-2, 235-pound senior from Agoura Hills, Calif.. “All the hard work I’ve put into this the past few years has paid off.”

Much like LaMichael James has talked about the Heisman Trophy being a team honor, Matthews was quick to mention that he wouldn’t be up for the award if the Ducks weren’t having such success this year.

As an example, he pointed to senior defensive tackle Brandon Bair, whose “first six games were lights-out,” Matthews said.

Opponents obviously took notice of Bair and started to double-team him more frequently. That, in turn, opened up lanes for Matthews, who leads the team with 68 tackles this season, plus three interceptions and three fumble recoveries.

Matthews will travel to The Pacific Club in Newport Beach, Calif., and suit up — tuxedo-style — for the awards ceremony on Dec. 12, to be aired live at 8 p.m. on Fox Sports.

The award’s namesake, Ronnie Lott, is one of 225 members of the panel who will select the winner among Matthews, Sam Acho of Texas, Patrick Peterson of LSU and J.J. Watt of Wisconsin.

Oregon sophomore safety John Boyett likes Matthews’ chances.

“He’s just a great kid and a great player, on and off the field,” said Boyett, one of Matthews’ roommates.

“He’s just does everything right, and that’s why he’s special.”

Football success is nothing new for Matthews family.

His family’s football blood is so thick that good friend and fellow linebacker Spencer Paysinger joked that the Matthews boys are born with long hair and six-pack abs.

“It’s part of his culture,” Paysinger said.

So is NFL stardom.

Matthews’ grandfather, father and brother — all named Clay — played in the league; his brother was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie for Green Bay last year. His uncle Bruce is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Bruce’s son Kevin, Casey’s cousin, is on the Tennessee Titans roster.

Certainly, playing professionally is a dream Matthews has always had, too.

“Obviously a lot of people in my family have played in the league, so it’s a little added stress — well, not stress, but pressure I put on myself,” he said. “I want to be part of the family tradition.”

One website tabbed Matthews as Oregon’s top senior NFL prospect, and his brother has told him scouts have had positive reviews this season.

That’s not a surprise to Kelly, who has called Matthews one of the most instinctual players he’s ever coached.

“Casey’s had a great career,” Kelly said. “He’s very durable — he always plays, he always practices. He works really hard — in the weight room, on the practice field, in the film room. He’s just a consummate football player. ...

“He’s really special player and one of the best linebackers to ever play here.”